Subject: Portugal
Period: 1573 (circa)
Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20 x 13.3 inches
50.8 x 33.8 cm
This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. Dutch text on verso.
References: Van den Broecke #26.
Condition: B+
Lovely old color on watermarked paper with light damp stains in blank margins, barely entering map at corners. French manuscript writing on verso opposing the Dutch text.